Farmers Celebrate Biodiversity Day
21 May 2007
International Biodiversity Day takes place tomorrow, Tuesday, 22 May 2007. It is a day for farmers to celebrate the important work taking place on thousands of farms to improve biodiversity in the country. Irish wildlife depends on farmland habitats, because so much of Ireland is farmed. Almost 60,000 farmers participate in the Rural Environment Protection Scheme (REPS), making an enormous contribution to improving our native flora, fauna and habitats. This was reflected in the interest shown in the Teagasc national campaign of biodiversity events, when over 5,000 farmers attended 31 events in January and February.
Teagasc countryside management specialist, Catherine Keena said: "The
Irish landscape with its associated biodiversity has been shaped by millennia of
agricultural activity, with nature providing the raw material. Everywhere on a
farm is a habitat. A field of ryegrass or corn contains a small number of
species. A hedgerow contains hundreds. Good habitats include field margins,
native woodland, bogs and species rich grassland. Flora and fauna are adapted to
live in different habitats. While a raised bog is incredibly important, not all
species live there".
Hedgerow management dominates the options chosen in REPS with 28,648 farmers planting new, or rejuvenating old hedgerows. An incredible length of 4,470 km of new native Irish hedgerows will be planted on 14,900 farms throughout every parish in Ireland in the next few years under REPS, making it the largest planting in 200 years. A further 2,650 km of our existing hedgerow will be rejuvenated.
A new habitat is being created on 14,913 farms. Additional stone wall maintenance is being carried out on 6,178 farms. Grassland field margins are being extended as nature corridors on 17,296 farms. Trees are being planted on 8,934 farms including around the farmyard. Watercourses are getting extra protection on 8,012 farms with wider margins or excluding cattle drinking. Extensive grassland management is being carried out on 7,943 farms, while 5,805 farmers are using their archaeological sites as options. LINNET crops for wildlife are being grown on 1,378 farms; 560 have rare breeds; 260 are managing riparian zones; 251 have traditional orchards and 47 are involved in the corncrake measure.
Catherine Keena said: "This ongoing work of Irish farmers will help
halt the decline of Ireland’s biodiversity".
